Both teams tend to start slow on offense, so which first quarter defense has the edge? Could it decide the game?
The Rams have climbed back into the playoff race by winning four of their last five games, but as badly as they need to beat the Eagles this week, I think Philly gets the win.
Both teams have struggled scoring early in games with the Rams averaging 1.3 points in first quarters this season. That’s tied for last with the Chicago Bears. To be fair, the Eagles aren’t doing much better at scoring in their first quarters with an average 1.4 points, but it’s Philly’s first quarter defense that can give them the advantage in this one.
As nice as LA’s defense has looked lately they are still giving up an average of 6.3 points per game in the first quarter. That’s the 30th worst mark in the NFL. The only teams worse in that area are the Carolina Panthers and the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles on the other hand surrender an average of 4.0 points in the first quarter. The 11th best mark in the league.
There is a lot more that goes into a football game than first quarter scoring, but I can see the Eagles opening up the scoring, and holding their lead. Historically speaking it has been the teams who score first in the NFL that most often come away with the victory.
For LA to win they need McVay’s offense (which lacks explosiveness) to come out of the gate hot like they did against the Minnesota Vikings or else this could be a long day for the Rams as they struggle to keep up with the Eagles.
Final Score: Eagles 31, Rams 19
Of course, either team can prove me wrong and that’s why the games are played. We’ll have to tune in Sunday night to find out.
